Skin Deep: A 30 Something’s Guide To Laser vs Chemical Peels

I know! It’s really hard to believe but I am closer now to my 40s than I am to my 30s (You better be nodding your head right about now!!). The older I get, the more comfortable I am in my skin, mentally. But heck…it’s always nice to feel comfortable in it physically. Yes, beauty IS skin deep – but it’s a great place to start to feel more confident as a whole. In fact, with the skin being the largest organ of your whole body, it deserves to be looked after accordingly. I in NO WAY want invasive procedures but have started to research other non-invasive treatments. And among other things that kept popping up as an option? Laser vs. chemical peels. However, when anyone mentions the words laser or chemical “peel”, I don’t know about you, but my scaredy catness level goes to 11! But fear not fellow filly, click this way and discover this 30 something’s guide to all things laser vs chemical peels…

I am a strong believer that education about a topic demystifies it – so consider this your guide that will make what can seem a bit of scary topic a little more soft and fuzzy! Yes, you have probably heard of both laser peels and chemical peels. I know I have…and I am sure I am not alone when I say that I have always associated the terms with the possibility of walking around with a red raw face, looking like Freddy Kruger. Now that’s a strong look, but not one I think I could rock! But with the new techniques, this is actually much more a thing of the past.

Laser peels and chemical peels are both forms of “skin resurfacing”. Skin resurfacing refers to a family of skincare techniques designed to revitalise your skin by removing surface ailments, such as debris clogging your pores and dead skin cells. Chemical and laser peels are among the top resurfacing techniques. So when it comes to making your choice between the two, you have to understand where they are super similar and where they are vastly different.

How Laser Peels Resurface the Skin:Why laser peels have quickly become popular is because you can essentially have them done whenever you wish! There is no need for lengthy preparation. You do not have to be admitted to a hospital (thank goodness). Laser peels also come with minimal side effects and almost no recovery time which is a HUGE bonus – no red raw face as previously mentioned. In fact, the entire experience of getting a laser peel typically takes no longer than one hour. So you could essentially have a treatment in your lunch hour and go back to work glowing without anyone being the wiser. Be prepared to proclaim “Yes Sharon – I look freaking fresh, must have been my walk to Boots for my meal deal!”

A laser peel works by using a combination of heat and light to resurface your skin. The light used is of a very specific wavelength. So when clinicians point cosmetic lasers at your skin, they can remove imperfections that contribute to skin problems, such as eliminating clogged pores. Once these “foreign materials” and dead skin cells are removed, you can see immediate positive results. The healthy skin that was waiting to be revealed underneath takes the place of the unhealthy skin that was on the surface. By revealing tighter, healthier skin, this means the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can also be reduced. Hello younger you!

How Chemical Peels Resurface the Skin:So whilst laser peels use light and heat, chemical peels use, well…chemicals duh! These chemicals are specifically combinations of skin-safe acids, that then are used to resurface the skin. Glycolic acid, which can found in a lot of moisturisers and toners but in a much weaker dose, is one such popular chemicals used. The acid removes skin imperfections in much the same way that lasers can. However, the intensity of the chemical peel is controlled by the chemical combinations used, not by the type of machinery used, as it is with laser peels.

Minor and Deep Laser and Chemical Peel Procedures:Ok – so both laser peels and chemical peels can be adjusted, according to the strength and intensity of the treatment you need/desire. For example, a CO2 laser can perform a deep laser peel. Similarly, a phenol chemical peel can help be used, if you have skin problems affecting deeper tissues. So you CAN tailor both treatments!

However, a chemical peel differs from laser peels in their recovery times. Recovery from a laser peel is typically fairly quick. However, a chemical peel’s recovery time is dependent upon how deep or intense the peel is. The more skin layers the chemical peel affects, the longer it takes for the skin to fully heal after the procedure. Which means it can can be more clearly seen that you have had a treatment and also it can effect you going out in the sun for instance.

Laser Peel and Chemical Peel Depth Control:Another way in which chemical peels and laser peels differ is in terms of the depth control they offer. As mentioned above, both can be light or deep. However, chemical peels are less precise than laser peels. Since lasers can remove damaged tissue at a specific depth, they may be a better choice under certain circumstances. To make that determination, you have to discuss your skin concerns with your clinician or beauty therapist.

Other Factors Make Laser and Chemical Peels Differ From Each Other:There are certain other factors need to be looked at in order to help you see how laser and chemical peels differ and help you decide which is best for you. One thing always helps me make decisions about things is the cost – I like to get the best results for the right price. Lasers can be more expensive, but as highlighted above there is less down time and more control over the strength. A factor in the price can be the depth of the procedure: The deeper the treatment, for both laser and chemical peels, the more expensive it can be. Therefore lighter and more frequent, can be better than one deep, intense treatment. However, a deeper treatment can last longer. So it’s up to you to weigh it up!

Another factor is the specific side effects you can expect. Your skin type is also a major factor. In certain cases, it may make you a good candidate for one type of procedure, but not both. It is also possible that neither procedure is right for your skin, in which case your clinician will suggest an alternative form of skin treatment for you.

Remember your skin is important and researching and investing in it accordingly and finding out what’s right for you and what can/can’t work for you can help you decide what’s what and whether to go for it or not!

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*This post a collaboration – however all choices and opinions are our own as always though fillies. We are by no way endorsing clinical laser and/or chemical peels.